El Salvador - Government

The constitution adopted on 20 November 1983 defines El Salvador as a
republic. The constitution vests executive power in the president, who
is to be elected by direct popular vote for a term of five years. The
president, who must be native-born, over 30 years of age, the offspring
of native-born parents, and a layperson, is not eligible for immediate
reelection. The president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces,
enforces the laws, formulates an annual budget, draws up international
treaties and conventions (which must be ratified by the National
Assembly), appoints diplomatic and consular officials, and supervises
the police. Every two years, the National Assembly elects three
substitutes (designados), who can, in order of designation, assume the
presidency when the president and vice president are not available.

Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral National Assembly
composed of 84 deputies apportioned among the various departments
according to population. Deputies are elected for a three-year term and
must be at least 25 years of age. The Assembly levies taxes, contracts
loans and arranges for their payment, regulates the money supply,
approves the executive budget, ratifies treaties and conventions,
declares war, and suspends or reestablishes constitutional guarantees in
national emergencies. The deputies, the president's ministers,
and the Supreme Court all may propose legislation. The Assembly approves
legislation and is technically empowered to override a presidential veto
by a two-thirds vote.

Universal male and female suffrage was inaugurated in 1950. However,
voting in El Salvador has been a source of controversy. During the
1980s, the government made voting compulsory, while the guerrillas
insisted the citizens should not collaborate with the system. Thus, the
Salvadorans were confronted with a dilemma: vote, and face the wrath of
the guerrillas, or refuse to vote, and immediately become suspected of
leftist sympathy. At times, voting was not secret. Current practices
suggest a more confidential and voluntary system is developing.

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